One of the largest lakes
in India, the Vembanad Lake
is Indias
longest lake and also the largest lake in all of Kerala. The districts of
Allepey, Kottayam and Ernakulam border the lake.
A distinctive feature of
the lake is that it has been divided into two parts by the Thannermukkom salt
water barrier, which leaves one part of the lake with brackish water
perennially and the second part with fresh water from the rivers draining into
the lake.
The Vembanad Lake
is at the centre of Kerala Backwaters tourism with a myriad of ketuvallams
(houseboats) crowding it. There are several other reasons which attract
tourists to the beautiful lake, in and off season. The town of Allepey,
bordering the lake, is considered to be the Venice of the East because of the large
network of canals that amble through the town. Also, the Vallam Kali
(the Snake Boat Race) held annually in August is a major attraction. The
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake and never
fails to draw a huge and enthusiastic crowd of tourists.
On an ecological note, the Vembanad
Lake is of importance since it is home
to more than 20,000 waterfowls in India and is also an ideal habitat
for shrimps.
While visiting the Lake,
the Vembanad Lake Villas would be an ideal place to stay at. It is an exotic
backwater resort with the most picturesque view of the banks of the Vembanad Lake. Coconut
plantations, lush green vegetation with exotic plants and trees such as
mangoes, bananas and pineapples cover the area around the villas.
The resort comprises of one Kerala ancestral home or Tharavadu and a cluster of
cottages designed according to the Kerala architecture but is well facilitated
with all modern amenities like en-suite shower and toilet facilities. The main
attraction of this resort is its proprietor and family who run the villa as a
family business and also, the traditionally prepared food from the daily fresh
catch will give you the real taste of Kerala.
Over 1.6 million people live on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and are directly or indirectly
dependent on it for their livelihoods. The lake is famous for its scenic beauty
and has, as a consequence, become a major tourist attraction.
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